Dr. Berg discusses the importance of the gallbladder, which he believes is the most ignored organ in the human body. He explains that many doctors consider the gallbladder to be unnecessary, but he finds that it is a common problem area among patients.
- Gallbladder Anatomy
- What is the gallbladder?
- What is Bile?
- The Importance of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- The Possible Causes of Low Bile and How to Address them.
- What are Gallstones?
- The Real Cause of Gallstones
- Symptoms of Gallstones
- How to Stop Gallbladder Pain
- Best Supplements and Foods to Help with Gallstones
- 5 Tips for Dissolving Gallstones and Cleansing Gallbladder
- Liver and Gallbladder Flushing with Acupressure
- 9 Important Benefits of Purified Bile Salts
- 12 Complications After Gallbladder Removal
What is the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small sac connected to the liver, which produces bile - a fluid that helps dissolve fat. When you eat fatty foods, the gallbladder releases stored bile into the small intestine to break down the fat into smaller particles. Bile also works with pancreatic enzymes to dissolve fats into fatty acids, which are essential for building tissue, cells, and other bodily functions. Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin K2 and vitamin D, which are crucial for various bodily processes. While plant-based foods contain pre-vitamins, only animal products provide the active form of vitamin A. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to several health issues.
The Importance of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
According to Dr. Berg, understanding the value of the gallbladder is dependent on recognizing the significance of fat-soluble vitamins and thyroid functions.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an essential role in maintaining healthy vision and skin. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to night blindness, dry eyes, and skin issues. However, a deficiency in vitamin A may not necessarily mean that the individual is not consuming enough of it. It could also be due to the lack of bile required for the digestion of vitamin A. If an individual is consuming butter, which contains vitamin A, but still experiences night blindness and dryness, then the issue could be a lack of bile.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and immune function. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, flu-like symptoms, autoimmune diseases, and high blood pressure. A drop in vitamin D3 levels during fall and winter can cause the flu, achy joints, bone pain, respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, psoriasis, and muscle cramps. Vitamin D3 helps in the absorption of calcium in the small intestine, allowing for a 20 times increase in absorption. A deficiency in bile could result in the aforementioned symptoms despite taking vitamin D3 supplements.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is responsible for transporting calcium to the appropriate parts of the body. Deficiency in this vitamin can cause calcium to build up in soft tissues, leading to arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, calcium build-up in arteries, cataracts, kidney stones, and strokes. Vitamin K2 is found in butter, eggs, and grass-fed beef.
Thyroid Function
The liver converts T4 to T3, which is the active form of thyroid hormone. Bile is responsible for stripping off an iodine molecule from T4 to convert it into T3. If an individual has symptoms such as dry hair, hair loss, loss of eyebrows, and slow metabolism despite taking thyroid medication, then it could be due to a lack of bile required for converting T4 to T3.
The Possible Causes of Low Bile and How to Address them
How To Know if You Have Bile Deficiency?
Low bile levels can cause various symptoms, such as constipation, bloating, and burping. This is because bile acts as a lubricant to the colon. Additionally, right shoulder pain is another sign of low bile since a nerve on the right side goes up to the shoulder. Other symptoms may include headaches, pain in the right scapula or right trap, and pain down the right arm. Another indicator of low bile is not feeling satisfied after eating since the lack of bile can make it difficult for the body to absorb fatty acids and pull them into the brain.
A deficiency in bile can lead to several symptoms, such as a deficiency in one of the fat-soluble vitamins, jaundice, constipation, fatty liver, bloating, and gallstones. Weak muscles are one of the significant symptoms of a deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins since the body does not have enough oxygen for the muscles to function effectively. Additionally, a lack of bile may result in constipation since bile helps lubricate the colon. Conversely, too much bile can lead to diarrhea.
Furthermore, other symptoms of bile deficiency may include yellowing of the skin and eyes, lowered mood, psoriasis, dry skin, hot flashes, chest pain, bruising, calcified arteries, high blood pressure, calcium deposits in joints, and sluggish gallbladder.
Causes of Low Bile
One possible cause of low bile is high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone from the adrenal glands that can shut down bile ducts. Estrogen can also be a factor, and high levels of it from pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, or other factors can destroy the gall bladder. Low-fat diets can cause gall bladder problems, as the absence of saturated fats can dry up the gall bladder and lead to a lack of bile. Soy protein isolates found in diet foods, pre-packaged soy patties, and other products can be another cause of low bile. Junk food can also contribute to this problem.
Addressing Low Bile
To address low bile levels, it is important to address the underlying cause. Avoiding stress, reducing cortisol levels, and managing estrogen levels may be necessary. Increasing healthy fats in the diet, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, can help trigger bile production. It is also crucial to avoid soy protein isolates and junk food, and consider taking supplements like ox bile and bile salts to support healthy bile production. Additionally, incorporating regular exercise and staying hydrated can help keep the digestive system functioning properly.
Remedies for Low Bile and Poor Gallbladder Health
Low bile and poor gallbladder health can cause several health issues, including bloating, diarrhea, and heartburn. However, there are several remedies available to combat these issues. In this section, we will discuss some of the remedies for low bile and poor gallbladder health.
Acupressure to the Gallbladder and Pancreas
One way to combat low bile and poor gallbladder health is through acupressure. By applying pressure to specific points on the gallbladder and pancreas, you can help trigger the release of bile. It's essential to change your diet by eliminating sugar and consuming healthy fats to make this acupressure more effective. Additionally, taking supplements such as bile salts can also help replenish your body's bile.
In this video, Dr. Berg demonstrates how to do liver and gallbladder flushing with acupressure.
This process helps relieve congestion in the liver and gallbladder area. He explains that the liver is the size of a football and is located underneath the rib cage. To help the liver drain properly through the bile ducts, he gently presses underneath the rib cage for a minute and then moves down to press into the liver. Dr. Berg also demonstrates how to do the gallbladder flush on oneself by pressing into a sore spot up at an angle using the thumb and another thumb. He advises not to press too hard and to hold the pressure for about a minute before moving to other spots. He also suggests using a massage tool to avoid straining the hands. If someone has had their gallbladder removed, they can work on the opposite side where the pancreas is located. Working on the pancreas helps with digestion since it works together with the gallbladder.
Gallbladder Formula and Betaine Hydrochloride
If you've had your gallbladder removed, you'll need to take the gallbladder formula, which includes bile salts and pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase, to help digest fats. Additionally, taking betaine hydrochloride can help lubricate the colon, support the stomach, pancreas, and gallbladder. However, it's essential to start slowly and take only one pill at breakfast and see how your body reacts. Gradually increase the dosage if needed.
Cruciferous Foods and Supplements
Cruciferous vegetables are essential for the liver's health, and taking supplements like the Cruciferous Food supplement can help clean and restore liver function. It's essential to consume these foods regularly to promote healthy liver function.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Berg explains the gallbladder's role in fat digestion and vitamin absorption, as well as the negative effects of low bile levels. He recommends stress reduction, dietary changes, and supplements like ox bile and bile salts to support healthy bile production. Acupressure and gallbladder formulas can also help. Maintaining overall well-being requires regular exercise and hydration.